NFLPA: Redskins followed concussion protocol in RGIII evaluation
The NFL Players Association believes the Redskins properly followed NFL concussion protocol when evaluating Robert Griffin III, reports the Washington Post.
There was question about whether the team had taken proper measures after Griffin was cleared to play in Saturday's game against the Ravens, but was then ruled not ready to resume contact play one day later.
Griffin sustained a concussion in a preseason game against the Lions on Aug. 20. A few days later doctors cleared him to begin participating in non-contact drills, and he resumed practicing. Thursday, the team announced Griffin would play on Saturday, but reversed that announcement Friday.
NFL independent neurologist Robert N. Kurtzke released a statement Friday saying that doctors had anticipated Griffin would be ready, but upon further scrutiny, decided he should not play until reevaluation in one to two weeks.
• Roundtable: Is there hope for Robert Griffin III's NFL future?
“We’re all as confused as you are,” coach Jay Gruden said at Saturday's post-game press conference. “People have to understand this has nothing to do with the Redskins. I know people want to make it out that we’re incompetent. But we’re not. This had nothing to do with us. It was a totally independent doctor, a verbal thing he said with our doctor and then all of a sudden … the written report was different. So we followed proper course and did what we thought was right for Robert and what the report said. We followed everything by the book.”
The NFLPA's conclusion was based on preliminary information, and the union will continue its investigation into the matter, the Postreports.
On Monday, Gruden announced that Kirk Cousins would be Washington's starting quarterback going forward, but said his decision had nothing to do with Griffin's injury.
- Erin Flynn
